Sugat Kabanhawan

Holy Week is the most important week in the Christian calendar. It commemorates the final days of the life of Jesus Christ—His suffering, death, and resurrection. It begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday, forming the climax of the Lenten season.

Since I wasn’t able to go home to our province this Holy Week due to the high cost of tickets, I decided to stay in Cebu instead. Still, I am grateful because I was able to attend a Good Friday procession here in Cebu.

It was my first time attending a procession in Minglanilla, Cebu, and I was amazed by how many people participated. The devotion and presence of the crowd made the experience even more meaningful.

The highlight of Holy Week in Minglanilla is the Sugat Kabanhawan, a well-known Easter Sunday tradition in the Philippines. The term comes from the Cebuano words “Sugat,” which means “to meet,” and “Kabanhawan,” which means “resurrection.” This tradition beautifully combines religion, theatrical presentation, and community participation. It is one of the most recognized “Sugat” celebrations in Cebu and draws both locals and tourists every Easter Sunday. More importantly, it powerfully expresses the core message of Holy Week—resurrection and hope.

This event takes place at dawn on Easter Sunday, creating a solemn yet joyful atmosphere as people gather to witness the reenactment of Christ’s resurrection.

It was my first time attending the Sugat Kabanhawan, and I was truly amazed by the large number of people who joined both the event and the Easter Sunday Mass. It was a memorable and inspiring experience.

We celebrated the resurrection of Christ with a family gathering in Pooc, Maharlika Beach, Talisay City, Cebu. It was a simple yet meaningful way to end the Holy Week—surrounded by loved ones, sharing gratitude, and reflecting on the true essence of the season.

Thank you for taking the time to read. See you on my next blog.